The vegan bowl take out service Hungry Ninja was established two years ago when Newton resident and company founder Yoko Bryden decided to transform her lifelong passion for food into a local small business. Yoko spent 15 years in the culinary world consulting for a Japanese food company, developing recipes, reporting on food trends
and much more. Over time however, she realized she wanted to create something of her own. Inspired by her neighbor’s small chocolate business, she saw the chance to share her passion and love for traditional Japanese food through nourishing food bowls.
Yoko Bryden moved to the United States 30 years ago from Japan. The name Hungry Ninja honors the Iga (伊賀)region of Japan, which is known as the birthplace and home of ninjas. Ninjas must maintain a clean, plant-based diet to stay strong and agile. They must also be undetectable by guard dogs, who can easily smell meat on an intruder. This philosophy shapes Yoko’s business today: nutritious food using pure and thoughtful ingredients. Hungry Ninja’s menu is entirely vegan, reflecting authentic dishes found in Japanese home cuisine and environmentally conscious culture.
Sustainability is a core value to Hungry Ninja’s mission. Hungry Ninja prides itself in offering vegan dishes made with whole natural ingredients with Japanese ingredients sourced from Japanese vendors. In addition, the meal is packaged in 100% third party certified compostable packaging. To Yoko, Hungry Ninja is more than just a business – it’s culture, passion, and a meal infused with love.
Customers can place orders on the Hungry Ninja website and pick up orders at Derby Farm Flowers (1280 Center Street, Newton Center), Hungry Ninja’s current pop-up location. Pre-order by Wednesday at 5pm and pick up between 11:30am – 4pm on Thursday. Customers can find a Hungry Ninja stand at the Newton Farmers Market during the summer season.
Viella Alkan is a sophomore at Newton South High School and a Green Newton intern.